Travel Indulgence

We have a restaurant in Portland, Oregon that is our “ultimate” indulgence. We travel down from Seattle (3 hours-one way), to enjoy not the food, but the wine.

Plainfields is an Indian restaurant. This is not a restaurant review. We’re not there for the food, which is excellent, we’re there for their extensive wine list. In fact, I couldn’t tell you what I ate, I don’t remember. I’m not a wine connoisseur, but I know what I like. And, what I like is Madeira. Specifically the Verdelho varieties. Madeira is a fortified Portuguese wine made in the Madeira Islands, typically served with desert. Properly sealed in bottles, it is one of the longest-lasting wines; Madeiras have been known to survive over 150 years in excellent condition. It is this restaurant that turned me on to it.

For me, the wine is what makes Plainfields special. My indulgence is the 1850 – 1870 vintage. I trip off of it every single time. I’m drinking wine that was stomp from grapes over 200 years ago!! I also wonder, “did slaves stomp these grapes?”

I don’t need to tell you that this wine isn’t cheap. LOL. It is served up by the ounce. The 1865 vintage is $50 (an ounce/glass). However, when we visited in April (we took my mother for her birthday) they didn’t have the 1865, so they offered us up the 1850 which wasn’t on the wine list (they had it resting in the back) at $65 (an ounce/glass). OMG!! Let me tell you something, This wine just rolls down your throat so smoothly and effortlessly; it’s just lovely. However, I take baby sips to make it last since I can only do one glass (I’m not rich!! ).

So, there you have it, this spot is my “secret” indulgence. Do you have a something special that you like to indulge in?

Terri Lundberg is an American expat currently residing with her husband in Saudi Arabia, but she calls Seattle and San Diego home. She’s a travel writer, an avid photographer and is a resource and cross cultural trainer to expats relocating to Saudi Arabia. She's been to 100 destinations, 26 countries, and counting.

Cheesecake Factory is my favorite! I am definitely going to miss it when I get in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. BCOT I am suppose to be there by September hopefully and could really use your help. I have alot of questions regarding schooling for my daughter. Could you please hit me up on my e-mail. I would really appreciate it.